Sectional control device

ABSTRACT

A sectional control device (12) controls the flow of particulate material from a meter (28) assembly to a primary manifold (24) of an air seeding system. The sectional control device (12) includes a plate assembly (56) having particulate openings (36A, 36C, 36) extending between the meter (28) assembly and the primary manifold (24) and a shut-off mechanism configured to control the flow of the particulate material through the particulate openings (36A, 36C, 36). The shut-off mechanism includes a gate (44A, 44) configured to slide between an open position, where particulate material can flow through the particulate opening (36, 38), and a closed position, where particulate material is prevented from flowing through the particulate opening (36, 38). The shut-off mechanism also includes an actuator (40A, 40) configured to drive the gate (44A, 44) between the open position and the closed position. A sectional control device (12) controls the flow of particulate material from a meter (28) assembly to a primary manifold (24) of an air seeding system. The sectional control device (12) includes a plate assembly (56) having particulate openings (36A, 36C, 36) extending between the meter (28) assembly and the primary manifold (24) and a shut-off mechanism configured to control the flow of the particulate material through the particulate openings (36A, 36C, 36). The shut-off mechanism includes a gate (44A, 44) configured to slide between an open position, where particulate material can flow through the particulate opening (36, 38), and a closed position, where particulate material is prevented from flowing through the particulate opening (36, 38). The shut-off mechanism also includes an actuator (40A, 40) configured to drive the gate (44A, 44) between the open position and the closed position.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to air seeding devices. Moreparticularly, this disclosure relates to sectional control devices forair seeding devices.

Air seeding devices utilize air to provide particulate material, such asseed or fertilizer, for application in a field. Air seeding devicesprovide greater coverage and distribution of particulate material,leading to higher crop yield. During the application process, meters aredisposed at the exit of supply tanks, and the meters provide meteredportions of particulate material into a pneumatic system. A fan blowsair through a pneumatic system to entrain the particulate material inthe air. The entrained particulate material is carried downstreamthrough distribution lines, and is provided to an air seeder. The airseeder deposits the particulate material in the soil with applicators.

Air seeding devices can include multiple distribution lines that eachdistribute particulate material to certain applicators on the airseeder. Sectional control is a process whereby the particulate materialis prevented from entering one or more distribution lines to prevent theparticulate material from being applied by the applicators associatedwith the one or more distribution lines. Sectional control allows theuser to control the distribution of particulate material by controllingwhich, if any, applicators receive particulate material at a given time.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a sectional control mechanismincludes a chassis including a top side, a bottom side, and at least onegate aperture extending through the plate between the top side and thebottom side, a first plate assembly disposed on the top side of thechassis, a second plate assembly disposed on a bottom side of thechassis, and a shut-off mechanism. The first plate assembly includes atleast one assembly receiving opening extending through the first plateassembly, the at least one assembly receiving opening is incommunication with the at least one gate aperture. The second plateassembly includes at least one assembly supply opening extending throughthe second plate assembly, the at least one assembly supply opening isin communication with the at least one gate aperture. The shut-offmechanism is configured to control a flow of material to the at leastone assembly supply opening from the at least one assembly receivingopening. The shut-off mechanism includes a gate slidably disposed in theat least one gate aperture, a motor connected to and powering the gate,and a screw extending between and connecting the motor and the gate, thescrew configured to drive the gate between a closed position and an openposition.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a sectional controlassembly for an air seeding system includes a plate assembly disposedbetween a meter assembly and a primary manifold, a housing mounted onthe plate assembly, a shut-off mechanism at least partially disposed inthe housing, and a controller disposed within the housing and connectedto the shut-off mechanism, the controller configured to induce amovement of a gate between an open position and a closed position. Themeter assembly is configured to meter a particulate material from aparticulate material source, and the primary manifold configured toprovide the particulate material to a pneumatic system for distributionthrough the air seeding system. The plate assembly includes aparticulate opening extending therethrough, wherein the particulatematerial is configured to flow through the particulate opening betweenthe meter assembly and the primary manifold. The shut-off mechanismincludes a motor disposed in the housing, a screw extending from themotor within the housing, and a gate attached to the screw by anattachment assembly. The gate includes a radial portion disposed withinthe housing and connected to the attachment assembly, and an axialportion extending from the radial portion and out of the housing intothe plate assembly. The gate is configured to slide between the openposition, wherein the does not extend into the particulate opening, andthe closed position, wherein gate extends into and obstructs theparticulate opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic of an air seeding supply system.

FIG. 1B is a top schematic view of a sectional control assembly.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a sectional control device.

FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of a sectional control device.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sectional control device of FIG.2A taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a sectional control deviceshut-off assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a top plate of a sectional controldevice.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an intermediate plate of a sectionalcontrol device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a chassis of a sectional control device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an intermediate plate of a sectionalcontrol device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bottom plate of a sectional controldevice.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a spacer.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a quick-mount assembly.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of another chassis and a mounting plate of asectional control device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a gate.

FIG. 14 is a top schematic view of a sectional control assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a schematic of air seeding supply system 10. FIG. 1B is aschematic of sectional control assembly 12. Air seeding supply system 10includes sectional control assemblies 12, air cart 14, pneumatic system16, and power source 17. Air cart 14 includes frame 18, supply tanks 20,meter mechanisms 22, and primary manifolds 24. Meter mechanism 22includes meter housing 26 and meter 28. Pneumatic system 16 includes fan30 and distribution lines 32 a-32 h (distribution lines 32 b-32 h shownin FIG. 1B). Sectional control assembly 12 controllers 34 a and 34 b,particulate openings 36 a-36 h, and shut-off mechanisms 38 a-38 h.Shut-off mechanisms 38 a-38 h respectively include actuators 40 a-40 h,gates 44 a-44 h, and attachment assemblies 46 a-46 h. Actuators 40 a-40h include motors 41 a-41 h and screws 42 a-42 h, respectively. Primarymanifolds 24 include fittings 48.

Pneumatic system 16 and sectional control assemblies 12 are mounted onair cart 14. Supply tanks 20 are disposed on frame 18 of air cart 14.Supply tanks 20 are configured to house a particulate material, such asseed or fertilizer, prior to application to a field by an air seedingdevice, such as a seed drill. Meter mechanism 22 is mounted at adistribution opening of supply tank 20. Meter housing 26 is mountedbelow supply tank 20 and meter rollers 28 extends through meter housing26. In some examples, meter rollers 28 can be configured to rotate abouta meter axis and feed particulate material from supply tanks 20 topneumatic system 16. Primary manifold 24 is mounted below meter housing26 and is configured to receive the particulate material from metermechanism 22. Fittings 48 extend upstream and downstream from primarymanifold 24 and are configured to connect to distribution lines 32 a-32h, respectively, and provide the particulate material to distributionlines 32 a-32 h for distribution through pneumatic system 16. Whilepneumatic system 16 is described as including distribution lines 32 a-32h, it is understood that pneumatic system 16 can include as many or asfew distribution lines 32 as desired.

Pneumatic system 16 can distribute the particulate material from supplytanks 20 to the air seeding device for application to a field, forexample, by blowing air to entrain the particulate material and carrythe entrained particulate material through distribution lines 32 to theair seeding device. Fan 30 is mounted on frame 18 and is configured toblow air through pneumatic system 16. Distribution lines 32 a-32 hextend from fan 30, connect to primary manifold 24 through fittings 48,which extend upstream and downstream from primary manifold 24, andextend downstream to the air seeding device. In some examples, eachdistribution line 32 a-32 h can include primary distribution lines andsecondary distribution lines that branch from the primary distributionlines. For example, primary distribution lines can extend from air cart14 to the air seeding device, and the primary distribution lines canbranch into one or more secondary distribution lines at the air seedingdevice to provide the entrained particulate material to individualapplicators on the air seeding device that are configured to apply theparticulate material to the field.

Sectional control assembly 12 is mounted between meter mechanism 22 andprimary manifold 24 and is configured to control the flow of particulatematerial to primary manifold 24 from meter mechanism 22. Particulateopenings 36 a-36 h are disposed between meter mechanism 22 and primarymanifold 24. The particulate material flows through particulate openings36 a-36 h to reach distribution lines 32 a-32 h from supply tanks 20.While sectional control assembly 12 is described as includingparticulate openings 36 a-36 h, it is understood that sectional controlassembly 12 can include as many or as few particulate openings 36 asdesired. For example, where pneumatic system 16 includes fourdistribution lines 32, sectional control assembly 12 can include fourparticulate openings 36. Power source 17 is connected to one or moresectional control assemblies 12 and is configured to provide power tosectional control assemblies 12 to shift gates 44 between an openposition and a closed position. For example, power source 17 can be abattery power pack charged from a vehicle, such as the tractor. As such,power source 17 can provide motive power to shut-off mechanisms 38 andcan be recharged by the vehicle towing air seeding supply system 10. Insome examples, power source 17 can be common to all sectional controlassemblies 12.

Sectional control assembly 12 includes shut-off mechanisms 38 a-38 h,with each shut-off mechanism 38 a-38 h configured to control the flow ofparticulate material to one of distribution lines 32 a-32 h. Actuators40 a-40 h are mounted within sectional control assembly 12 and areconfigured to drive gates 44 a-44 h between an open position and aclosed position. Actuators 40 a-40 h can be of any suitableconfiguration for driving gates 44 a-44 h between the open position andthe closed position. For example, actuators 40 a-40 h can include screws42 a-42 h extending from motors 41-41 h, respectively. Screws 42 a-42 hrespectively drive the movement of gates 44 a-44 h. While actuators 40a-40 h are described as including screws 42 a-42 h, it is understoodthat actuators 40 a-40 h can be of any suitable configuration fordisplacing gates 44. For example, actuators 40 a-40 h can include linearactuators such as a pneumatic drive, a hydraulic drive, or anelectromechanical drive, where screw 42 a-42 h is linearly instead ofrotationally driven.

Gates 44 a-44 h are connected to actuators 40 a-42 h by attachmentassemblies 46 a-46 h. Each attachment assembly 46 can include internalthreading configured to mesh with external threading on screw 42 suchthat rotating screw 42 causes attachment assembly 46, and thus gate 44,to displace linearly along screw 42. Controllers 34 a and 34 b ofsectional control assembly 12 can communicate with an operator and/or acontrol system via communication links 50 a and 50 b, which can includea wired or wireless connection. Controller 34 a is connected to andcontrols shut-off mechanisms 38 a-38 d via control links 52 a-52 d.Controller 34 b is connected to and controls shut-off mechanisms 38 e-38h via control links 52 e-52 h. Control links 52 can include a wired orwireless connection. It is further understood that controller 34 a andcontroller 34 b can control any desired number of shut-off mechanisms38. Controllers 34 a and 34 b communicate with shut-off mechanisms 38a-38 h to control a position of gates 44 a-44 h relative to particulateopenings 36 a-36 h. While sectional control assembly 12 is described asincluding shut-off mechanisms 38 a-38 h, it is understood that sectionalcontrol assembly 12 can include as many or as few shut-off mechanisms 38as required to control flow to distribution lines 32.

Each gate 44 a-44 h of sectional control assembly 12 can be placed in aclosed position, shutting off the flow of particulate material toprimary manifold 24, in an open position, allowing a full flow ofparticulate material to primary manifold 24, or any desired intermediateposition allowing a partial flow of particulate material. Sectionalcontrol assembly 12 controls the flow of particulate material to eachdistribution line 32 a-32 h and can shut off the flow of particulatematerial to one or more distribution lines 32 a-32 h to control whichdistribution lines 32 a-32 h receive particulate material at a giventime. As such, sectional control assembly 12 can be utilized to preventover-application of particulate material in portions of the field thathave already received the particulate material.

During operation, air seeding supply system 10 is attached to a toolbar,such as the air seeding device, and the toolbar applies the particulatematerial, such as seed and/or fertilizer, to the field. It isunderstood, that the toolbar can be a tow-between or a tow-behindtoolbar, such that air seeding supply system 10 can be one of between avehicle, such as a tractor, and the toolbar or behind the vehicle andthe toolbar. The toolbar includes applicators, which can be of anysuitable configuration for applying the particulate material to thefield, that are connected to pneumatic system 16 and are configured toreceive the particulate material from pneumatic system 16 and apply theparticulate material to the field. Air cart 14 stores the particulatematerial in supply tanks 20 prior to application, and pneumatic system16 conveys the particulate material from air cart 14 to the air seedingdevice. As shown by arrow F, the particulate material flows from supplytanks 20, through meter mechanism 22 and sectional control assembly 12,and to primary manifold 24. From primary manifold 24, the particulatematerial is driven to the toolbar through distribution lines 32.

Supply tanks 20 are loaded with the particulate material. Meter rollers28 rotate within meter housings 26 to pull the particulate material fromsupply tanks 20 and provide the particulate material to primarymanifolds 24. Meter rollers 28 can be configured to meter a set portionof the particulate material with each rotation of meter rollers 28. Forexample, meter rollers 28 can include flutes that pull a desired volumeof particulate material from supply tanks 20 with each rotation. In oneexample, each meter roller 28 is configured to provide a set weight ofmaterial per rotation, and the speed of rotation varies with the groundspeed to control the supply of particulate material. The particulatematerial passes through sectional control assembly 12 and into theportion of each distribution line 32 a-32 h extending into primarymanifold 24. The air stream within distribution lines 32 a-32 h entrainsthe particulate material and carries the particulate material downstreamfrom primary manifolds 24 to the air seeding device. Fan 30 is disposedat a distal end of distribution lines 32 and is configured to blow airthrough distribution lines 32 to drive the particulate material fromprimary manifolds 24 to the air seeding device.

Sectional control assemblies 12 are disposed between meter mechanisms 22and primary manifolds 24. Particulate openings 36 a-36 h provide aflowpath for particulate material between meter mechanism 22 and primarymanifold 24 before entering distribution lines 32 a-32 h.

In FIG. 1B, gates 44 c-44 d and 44 f-44 h are depicted in an openposition such that particulate openings 36 c-36 d and 36 f-36 h areunobstructed and particulate material is able to flow to distributionlines 32 c-32 d and 32 f-32 h. Gates 44 a-44 b and 44 e are depicted ina closed position such that gates 44 a-44 b and 44 e obstructparticulate openings 36 a-36 b and 36 c and particulate material isprevented from flowing to distribution lines 32 a-32 b and 32 e. It isunderstood, however, that each gate 44 can be positioned in anintermediate position between the open position and the closed positionsuch that gates 44 partially obstruct particulate openings 36 and allowa limited flow of the particulate material to distribution lines 32.

To open or close particulate openings 36 a-36 h, one of controllers 34 aand 34 b can provide command signals to cause actuator 40 to shift gate44 between the various positions. For example, controller 34 a cancommand actuator 40 a to position gate 44 a in a desired position, suchas the open position, the closed position, or an intermediate position.In one example, motor 41 a can then drive gate 44 a between the openposition and the closed position by driving rotation of screw 42 a.Rotating screw 42 a causes attachment assembly 46 a to displace along alength of screw 42 a. As attachment assembly 46 a traverses along thelength of screw 42 a, attachment assembly 46 a causes gate 44 a tosimilarly displace relative to screw 42 a due to the connection ofattachment assembly 46 a and gate 44 a. Motors 41 a-41 h can be of anysuitable configuration for driving screws 42 a-42 h and gates 44 a-44 h,such as brushed DC motors, for example. In another example, actuator 40a includes a cylinder, such as a pneumatic, hydraulic, orelectromechanical cylinder. For example, actuator 40 a can be anelectromechanical cylinder, which can be a self-contained ball or rollerscrew driven by an electric motor to provide linear displacement.

Sectional control assemblies 12 allow the operator of air seeding supplysystem 10 to control the flow of particulate material to the air seedingdevice. Controlling the flow of particulate material preventsover-application of the particulate material by blocking the flow of theparticulate material to certain applicators, thereby preventing theapplicators from reapplying the particulate material in areas theparticulate material was already applied. For example, sectional controlassemblies 12 can communicate with a control system on the tractor todetermine the location of air seeding supply system 10 relative toportions of the field that have already had particulate materialapplied, such as via GPS, GNSS, and/or GPS/RTK, for example. The controlsystem on the tractor can then command, via communication link 50 andcontrollers 34 a and 34 b for example, individual shut-off mechanisms 38to shift individual gates 44 open or closed based on a location of airseeding supply system 10 in the field, thereby controlling the flow ofparticulate material through each particulate opening.

Sectional control assembly 12 can be a self-contained, retrofittableunit to convert air cart 14 from an air cart that continuously suppliedparticulate material to an air cart with sectional control capabilitiessuch that the flow of the particulate material to each distribution line32 can be controlled. During a retrofit, primary manifold 24 is detachedfrom meter housing 26. Sectional control assembly 12 is inserted betweenprimary manifold 24 and meter housing 26, and primary manifold 24 isreattached to meter housing 26 with fasteners that can extend throughsectional control assembly 12. As such, sectional control assembly 12can be easily retrofit into an existing air cart 14 to provide sectionalcontrol capabilities to that air cart.

Sectional control assembly 12 provides significant advantages. Sectionalcontrol assembly 12 provides on/off control for the flow of particulatematerial to the air seeding device, thereby preventing over-applicationin areas of a field that the air seeding device has already traversed.Preventing over-application also saves material costs by eliminatingwaste of particulate material. Sectional control assembly 12 can beretrofit onto an air cart by merely detaching primary manifold 24 frommeter housing 26, inserting sectional control assembly 12 between theexisting primary manifold 24 and meter housing 26, and reattachingprimary manifold 24 to meter housing 26. As such, sectional controlassembly 12 provides low cost, easily installed sectional controlcapabilities to air carts that were not previously equipped withsectional control capabilities.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of sectional control assembly 12 showingshut-off mechanisms 38 in the closed position. FIG. 2B is an explodedview of sectional control assembly 12. Sectional control assembly 12includes controllers 34, shut-off mechanisms 38, housing 54, plateassembly 56, gaskets 58 a and 58 b, bushings 60, switches 62, spacers64, plate fasteners 66, and actuator fasteners 68. Each shut-offmechanism 38 includes actuator 40, gate 44, and attachment assembly 46.Each actuator 40 includes motor 41 and screw 42. Each gate 44 includesaxial portion 70 and radial portion 72. Housing 54 includes filterassembly 55. Plate assembly 56 includes upper plate assembly 74, lowerplate assembly 76, and chassis 78. Upper plate assembly 74 includesfirst outer plate 80 and first intermediate plate 82. Lower plateassembly 76 includes second outer plate 84 and second intermediate plate86. First outer plate 80 includes outer particulate receiving openings88. First intermediate plate 82 includes inner particulate receivingopenings 90. Second intermediate plate 86 includes inner particulatesupply openings 92. Second outer plate 84 includes outer particulatesupply openings 94. Chassis 78 includes mounting flange 96 and gateapertures 98.

Housing 54 is mounted on and supported by plate assembly 56. Controllers34 and shut-off mechanisms 38 are disposed within housing 54. Housing 54is configured to protect controllers 34, shut-off mechanism 38, andother components of sectional control assembly 12 from contaminantsduring operation. Filter assembly 55 is disposed within housing 54 andis configured to filter air utilized to pressurize housing 54 duringoperation. Pressurizing housing 54 prevents the particulate material andother contaminants from entering housing 54 during operation. Filterassembly 55 filters the pressurized air prevent any contaminantsentrained in the pressurized air from entering housing 54.

Chassis 78 and lower plate assembly 76 extend into housing 54, andhousing 54 is attached to lower plate assembly 76. Upper plate assembly74 is disposed on a top of chassis 78 and lower plate assembly 76 isdisposed on a bottom of chassis 78. First intermediate plate 82 isdisposed on a top side of chassis 78, and first outer plate 80 isdisposed on first intermediate plate 82. Second intermediate plate 86 isdisposed on a bottom side of chassis 78, and second outer plate 84 isdisposed on second intermediate plate 86. Plate fasteners 66 extendthrough each of first outer plate 80, first intermediate plate 82,chassis 78, second intermediate plate 86, and second outer plate 84 tosecure plate assembly 56 together.

Gasket 58 a is disposed on first outer plate 80, and gasket 58 b isdisposed on second outer plate 84. Gasket 58 a is configured to seal aninterface between sectional control assembly 12 and meter housing 26(shown in FIG. 1A). Gasket 58 b is configured to seal an interfacebetween sectional control assembly 12 and primary manifold 24 (shown inFIG. 1A). Bushings 60 extend through and align plate assembly 56.Bushings 60 can limit compression of sectional control assembly 12between meter housing 26 and primary manifold 24. It is understood, thatbushings 60 can be secured to second outer plate 84, such as by weldingbushings 60 to second outer plate 84, or can be in a floatingconfiguration. Where bushings 60 are in a floating configuration, eachbushing 60 can include a snap ring attached to bushing 60 to maintain aposition of each bushing 60 within sectional control assembly 12 andthrough lower plate assembly 76, chassis 78, and upper plate assembly74. Limiting compression when sectional control assembly 12 is installedbetween meter housing 26 and primary manifold 24 can prevent damage togaskets 58 a and 58 b. Moreover, bushings 60 prevent a user fromovertightening sectional control assembly 12, which can bind gates 44within plate assembly 56 such that gates 44 are prevented from slidingbetween the open position and the closed position.

Each shut-off mechanism 38 is at least partially disposed in housing 54,with gate 44 extending into plate assembly 56. Each actuator 40 is atleast partially disposed in housing 54. Actuator fasteners 68 extendsthrough mounting flange 96 of chassis 78 and attach actuators 40 tochassis 78. In some examples, actuator fasteners 68 connect motor 41 tochassis 78. Screws 42 extend from motors 41 through mounting flange 96.Screws 42 are disposed within housing 54, but it is understood that, insome examples, screws 42 can extend outside of housing 54. Attachmentassemblies 46 are disposed on screws 42 and configured to be driven byscrews 42. Gates 44 are connected to screws 42 through attachmentassemblies 46. Radial portion 72 of each gate 44 extends from axialportion 70 and is connected to attachment assembly 46. Axial portion 70of each gate 44 extends into plate assembly 56 between upper plateassembly 74 and lower plate assembly 76. Axial portion 70 is disposed ingate apertures 98 such that axial portion 70 is coplanar with chassis78. Actuator 40 can displace gate 44 by rotating of screw 42 with motor41. Rotating screw 42 causes attachment assembly 46 to displace axiallyalong screw 42, thereby simultaneously causing gate 44 to displaceaxially along screw 42.

Spacers 64 are disposed beside each gate 44. Spacers 64 axially aligngates 44 within plate assembly 56. Spacers 64 can also providecompression protection between first intermediate plate 82 and secondintermediate plate 86. Spacers 64 maintain a minimum gap in gateapertures 98 when plate assembly 56 is fastened together by platefasteners 66. The minimum gap prevents upper plate assembly 74 and lowerplate assembly 76 from exerting a clamping force on gates 44. Spacers 64thereby ensure that gates 44 are able to slide between the open positionand the closed position.

Switches 62 are disposed on second outer plate 84, and can extendthrough second intermediate plate 86 and project through chassis 78.Switches 62 can be configured to sense a position of attachmentassemblies 46, thereby sensing a position of gates 44. In some examples,the locational information provided by switch 62 can be utilized to stopmotor 41, thereby stopping movement of gate 44, when switch 62 sensesthat gate 44 is in a desired position. In some examples, switches 62 canprovide feedback as to whether the gate 44 has reached the desiredposition. Switches 62 can be of any desired configuration, includingmechanical limit switches and proximity sensors, such as magneticproximity sensors.

Outer particulate receiving openings 88, inner particulate receivingopenings 90, gate apertures 98, inner particulate supply openings 92,and outer particulate supply openings 94 align to form particulateopenings 36. In some examples, first outer plate 80 includes partitionsbetween adjacent outer particulate receiving openings 88 and firstintermediate plate 82 includes partitions between adjacent innerparticulate receiving openings 90. Providing a partition between eachfirst outer opening 88 can prevent particulate material from migratingto an adjacent first outer opening 88 when one first outer opening 88 isclosed by gate 44. It is understood, however, that first outer plate 80and first intermediate plate 82 can include as many or as few openingsand partitions as desired. Gasket 58 a and gasket 58 b also includeopenings therethrough that align with particulate openings 36. Outerparticulate receiving openings 88 and inner particulate receivingopenings 90 can receive particulate material from meter 28 regardless ofa position of gates 44.

Each shut-off mechanism 38 controls a flow of particulate materialthrough a particulate opening 36. During operation, controllers 34 cancommunicate with shut-off mechanisms 38 and can command each shut-offmechanism 38 to allow or prevent the flow of particulate materialthrough particulate openings 36. For example, in response to a commandto shift gate 44 from an open position to a closed position, actuator 40can drive the displacement of gate 44. In one example, motor 41 canactivate screw 42, and screw 42 drives attachment assembly 46 along alength of screw 42. Gate 44 displaces axially relative to screw 42 dueto attachment assembly 46 connecting gate 44 to screw 42. Screw 42drives gate 44 until axial portion 70 is disposed between firstintermediate opening 90 and second intermediate opening 92, therebypreventing particulate material from flowing through the particulateopening 36 associate with gate 44. The position of each gate 44 can beindividually controlled by each motor 41 such that the flow ofparticulate material through each particulate opening 36 can beindividually controlled.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of sectional control assembly 12 takenalong line 3-3 in FIG. 2A. Shut-off mechanism 38, housing 54, plateassembly 56, gaskets 58 a and 58 b, bushings 60, switches 62 a and 62 b,plate fasteners 66, and actuator fastener 68 of sectional controlassembly 12 are shown. Shut-off mechanism 38 includes actuator 40, gate44, and attachment assembly 46. Actuator 40 includes motor 41 and screw42. Gate 44 includes axial portion 70 and radial portion 72. Attachmentassembly 46 includes nut 100 and connector 102. Connector 102 includesfirst portion 104 and second portion 106. Plate assembly 56 includesupper plate assembly 74, lower plate assembly 76, and chassis 78. Upperplate assembly 74 includes first outer plate 80 and first intermediateplate 82. Lower plate assembly 76 includes second outer plate 84 andsecond intermediate plate 86. Chassis 78 includes mounting flange 96.

Housing 54 is mounted on and supported by plate assembly 56. Chassis 78and lower plate assembly 76 extend into housing 54, and housing 54 isattached to lower plate assembly 76. Upper plate assembly 74 is disposedon a top of chassis 78 and lower plate assembly 76 is disposed on abottom of chassis 78. First intermediate plate 82 is disposed on a topside of chassis 78, and first outer plate 80 is disposed on firstintermediate plate 82. Second intermediate plate 86 is disposed on abottom side of chassis 78, and second outer plate 84 is disposed onsecond intermediate plate 86. Gasket 58 a is disposed on first outerplate 80, and gasket 58 b is disposed on second outer plate 84. Bushings60 extend through and align plate assembly 56 and can also limitcompression of sectional control assembly 12 by meter housing 26 (shownin FIG. 1A) and primary manifold 24 (shown in FIG. 1A). Particulateopening 36 extends through plate assembly 56.

Shut-off mechanism 38 is at least partially disposed in housing 54.Actuator 40 is disposed in housing 54. Actuator fastener 68 extendsthrough mounting flange 96 into motor 41 to attach motors 41 to chassis78. It is understood, however, that actuator 40 can be secured tosectional control assembly 12 in any suitable manner, such as withbands, screws, and hook and loop fasteners, among others. Screw 42extends from motor 41 through mounting flange 96. Screw 42 is disposedwithin housing 54, but it is understood that, in some examples, screw 42can extend outside of housing 54. Attachment assembly 46 is disposed onscrew 42 and is configured to be driven by screw 42. Nut 100 is disposedon and connected to screw 42. Nut 100 can include internal threadingconfigured to mate with external threading on screw 42. First portion104 is attached to second portion 106 to form connector 102, andconnector 102 captures nut 100 between first portion 104 and secondportion 106. Gate 44 extends from attachment assembly 46 and into plateassembly 56, with axial portion 70 of gate 44 disposed between upperplate assembly 74 and lower plate assembly 76. Axial portion 70 of gate44 is coplanar with chassis 78 and disposed adjacent first intermediateplate 82 and second intermediate plate 86. With gate 44 disposed betweenfirst intermediate plate 82 and second intermediate plate 86, firstintermediate plate 82 and second intermediate plate 86 can prevent gate44 from displacing radially. When closing, the leading edge of axialportion 70 slides underneath the corresponding opening edges of openingsin first outer plate 80 and first intermediate plate 82, such thatparticulate material that could otherwise be trapped or crushed by theleading edge of axial portion 70, thereby impeding complete closure ofgate 44, is wiped off of axial portion 70. The plates, such as firstintermediate plate 82 and second intermediate plate 86, can include adevice, such as a gasket, a rope, a brush, or any other suitable device,disposed proximate the location where axial portion 70 of gate 44extends into particulate opening 36 to wipe particulate material off ofgate 44 and clean gate 44. Radial portion 72 of gate 44 extends fromaxial portion 70 and is connected to connector 102. As such, gate 44 isconnected to screw 42 through attachment assembly 46.

Switches 62 are disposed on second outer plate 84, extend through secondintermediate plate 86, and project through chassis 78. In some examples,each shut-off mechanism 38 is associate with a pair of switches, such asswitches 62 a and 62 b. For example, switch 62 a can be tripped whengate 44 reaches a forward-most limit of travel, and switch 62 b can betripped when gate 44 reaches an aft-most limit of travel. It isunderstood, however, that each shut-off mechanism 38 can be associatedwith as many or as few switches as desired. For example, shut-offmechanism 38 can include intermediary switches configured to denote a25% open position, a 50% open position, a 75% open position, or anyother desired position. Switches 62 can be of any desired configuration.For example, switches 62 a and 62 b can be mechanical switches triggeredby the displacement of gates 44 or proximity sensors and can beconfigured to indicate the position of gates 44. In one example,switches 62 can be magnetic proximity sensors configured to sense amagnetic field of a magnet, such as a magnet mounted in attachmentassemblies 46, for example.

During operation, shut-off mechanism 38 can be commanded to allow orprevent the flow of particulate material through particulate opening 36.For example, in response to a command to shut off the flow ofparticulate material to distribution line 32 a (shown in FIG. 1B), acontrol signal can be provided, such as by controller 34 a or controller34 b, for example, to shut-off mechanism 38 to cause shut-off mechanism38 to shift gate 44 to a closed position. In response to the controlsignal, actuator 40 initiates and drives gate 44 to the closed position.In one example, motor 41 activates and drives a rotation of screw 42,screw 42 rotates and drives nut 100 due to the threaded connectionbetween screw 42 and nut 100, and gate 44 shifts axially relative toscrew 42 due to connector 102 connecting gate 44 to nut 100. In oneexample, actuator 40 drives gate 44 until an increase in current tomotor 41 is detected. The increase in current indicates that gate 44 hasreached a hard stop and is thus fully closed, and motor 41 can bedeactivated in response to the increased current. In some examples,screw 42 drives gate 44 until switch 62 a is tripped by connector 102,thereby indicating that gate 44 is in the closed position (shown in FIG.2B). Switch 62 a can deactivate motor 41 in response to being tripped byconnector 102, thereby stopping the motion of gate 44. With gate 44 inthe closed position, particulate opening 36 is obstructed by gate 44thereby preventing the particulate material from flowing throughparticulate openings 36.

Shut-off mechanism 38 can similarly shift gate 44 to an open position,thereby allowing flow of the particulate material through particulateopening 36. For example, in response to a command to allow the flow ofparticulate material to distribution line 32, a control signal can beprovided to shut-off mechanism 38, such as by controller 34 a orcontroller 34 b, for example, to cause shut-off mechanism 38 to shiftgate 44 to an open position. Actuator 40 can drive gate back to the openposition. For example, motor 41 can drive screw 42 in the oppositedirection than when shifting gate 44 to the closed position. While screw42 is described as rotating in opposite directions, it is understoodthat screw 42 can be configured to be driven in a single rotationaldirection to drive gate 44 to both the open position and the closedposition, such as where screw 42 is a self-reversing screw, for example.Screw 42 rotates and drives nut 100 along a length of screw 42, therebycausing gate 44 to simultaneously shift axially relative to screw 42. Inone example, actuator 40 drives gate 44 until an increase in current tomotor 41 is detected. The increase in current indicates that gate 44 hasreached a hard stop and is thus fully opened, and motor 41 can bedeactivated in response to the increased current. In some examples,screw 42 continues to drive gate 44 until switch 62 b is tripped byconnector 102, thereby indicating that gate 44 is in the open position.Switch 62 b can deactivate motor 41 in response to being tripped byconnector 102, thereby stopping the rearward motion of gate 44 with gate44 in the open position. With gate 44 in the open position, theparticulate material is able to flow thorough the particulate opening 36associated with gate 44.

It is understood that shut-off mechanism 38 can be activated ordeactivated in any desired manner. For example, shut-off mechanism 38can include switches 62 that are triggered by gate 44 reaching a desiredlocation, and triggering switch 62 can deactivate actuator 40. Whileswitches 62 are described as discrete switches, it is understood thatswitches 62 can also include a continuous sensor, including a contact ornon-contact sensor, configured to continuously monitor a location ofgate 44. In another example, shut-off mechanism 38 can include anencoder monitoring a component of shut-off mechanism 38, such as therotations of screw 42 or motor 41, to determine an exact position ofgate 44 relative to particulate opening 36. The encoder can thus provideprecise locational information for gate 44 that can be used to positiongate at the open position, the closed position, or any intermediateposition between the open position and the closed position. In someexamples, the encoders can self-calibrate shut-off mechanisms 38, suchthat controller 34 causes the gate 44 to shift to the fully open orfully closed position and the encoder count is reset. Moreover, the usercan be notified of any error sensed by the encoders, such that an erroris provided to the user if the encoder senses that actuator 40 has notdisplaced gate 44 to the desired position. In another example, theenergy supply to actuator 40 can be monitored for a change indicative ofgate 44 reaching the open position or the closed position. For example,an increase in current at motor 41 can indicate that gate 44 has reacheda travel limit, and the increase in current can be sensed and motor 41can be deactivated in response to the increase in current.

Sectional control assembly 12 provides significant advantages. Sectionalcontrol assembly 12 is a self-contained sectional control unit that canbe retrofit onto an existing air cart, such as air cart 14 (shown inFIG. 1A), to provide sectional control capabilities to that air cart,thereby reducing costs and labor. Sectional control assembly 12 canfacilitate variable rate supply of the particulate material on aper-section basis. Housing 54 enclosed shut-off mechanisms 38 andcontrollers 34 to protect both from the environment. Shut-off mechanisms38 allow individual particulate openings 36 to be controlled to eitherallow or prevent a flow of particulate material through that individualparticulate opening 36. Gate 44 is positioned between top plate assembly56 and bottom plate assembly 56 such that gate 44 is not exposed to theenvironment unless gate 44 is positioned within particulate opening 36.Positioning gate 44 between top plate assembly 56 and bottom plateassembly 56 retains gate 44 in the desired position throughout thecourse of operation. Moreover, screw 42 can position gate 44 at anydesired location relative to particulate opening 36 to allow no flow,full flow, or an intermediate flow of particulate material.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of shut-off mechanism 38.Shut-off mechanism 38 includes actuator 40, gate 44, and attachmentassembly 46. Actuator 40 includes motor 41 and screw 42. Gate 44includes axial portion 70 and radial portion 72. Axial portion 70includes flow blocker 108, first axial leg 110, and second axial leg112. Radial portion 72 includes first radial arm 114 and second radialarm 116. First radial arm 114 includes first flange 118 and secondradial arm 116 includes second flange 120. Attachment assembly 46includes nut 100 and connector 102. Connector 102 includes first portion104, second portion 106, first groove 122, second groove 124, magnets126, body receiving portion 128, wing slots 130, and fasteners 132. Nut100 includes body 134 and wings 136.

Screw 42 is connected to and extends from motor 41. Body 134 of nut 100is disposed on screw 42, and wings 136 extend radially from body 134.Body 134 can include internal threading configured to mate with externalthreading of screw 42 such that rotating screw 42 causes nut 100 todisplace axially along screw 42. Nut 100 is captured by connector 102and retained between first portion 104 and second portion 106. Body 134is retained within body receiving portion 128, and wings 136 areretained within wing slots 130. Body 134 can be spherical such that body134 can provide a knuckle joint with connector 102 between screw 42 andgate 44. As such, body 134 provide flexibility to account for anymisalignment between screw 42 and gate 44. Magnets 126 extend into firstportion 104 and second portion 106. First portion 104 and second portion106 can be identical to provide mistake-proofing, such that either firstportion 104 or second portion 106 can form either the uppermost portionor the lowermost portion of connector 102. Fasteners 132 extend throughand connect first portion 104 and second portion 106 together to formconnector 102. As shown, first portion 104 and second portion 106 can beidentical, such that either first portion 104 and second portion 106 canbe positioned above screw 42, and thereby providing mistake-proofing toattachment assembly 46.

Attachment assembly 46 connects screw 42 and gate 44 and transmitsforces therebetween such that screw 42 drives gate 44 through attachmentassembly 46. Radial portion 72 of gate 44 is configured to connect toattachment assembly 46, and axial portion 70 of gate 44 is configured toshift between an open position and a closed position to either allow orblock the flow of particulate material through particulate openings 36(best seen in FIG. 1B). First radial arm 114 extends radially from firstaxial leg 110, and second radial arm 116 extends radially from secondaxial leg 112. First flange 118 is disposed at a distal end of firstradial arm 114 and projects towards second radial arm 116. Second flange120 is disposed at a distal end of second radial arm 116 and projectstoward first radial arm 114. First flange 118 can extend into and engagefirst groove 122 of connector 102, and second flange 120 can similarlyextend into and engage second groove 124 of connector 102. As such, gate44 is connected to attachment portion by first flange 118 and secondflange 120. First groove 122 and second groove 124 engage first flange118 and second flange 120 axially, but allow for radial movement offirst flange 118 and second flange 120. In this way, first groove 122and second groove 124 allow connector 102 to translate radially relativeto first radial arm 114 and second radial arm 116, thereby account forany tolerances and misalignment that can occur between screw 42 and gate44.

Axial portion 70 of gate 44 extends from radial portion 72. First axialleg 110 extends from first radial arm 114, and second axial leg 112extends from second radial arm 116. First axial leg 110 and second axialleg 112 define a gap therebetween, and the gap can receive a portion ofchassis 78 (best seen in FIG. 7) to maintain an alignment of gate 44within gate aperture 98. Flow blocker 108 extends from first axial leg110 and second axial leg 112 and is configured to block the flow ofparticulate material through particulate opening 36 (best seen in FIG.1B) when gate 44 is in the closed position.

During operation, gate 44 is driven between an open position, whereparticulate material can flow past gate 44 and into primary manifold 24(shown in FIG. 1A), and a closed position, wherein gate 44 blocks theflow of particulate material to primary manifold 24 through sectionalcontrol assembly 12 (shown in FIGS. 1A-3). Gate 44 can also bepositioned at any intermediate position between a fully open positionand a fully closed position.

Motor 41 rotatably drives screw 42 in response to the command signal.Rotating screw 42 causes nut 100 to translate along a length of screw 42due to the connection of body 134 and screw 42. Nut 100 carriesconnector 102 along the length of screw 42 due to connector 102capturing wings 136 in wing slots 130 and body 134 in body receivingportion 128. Connector 102 displaces gate 44 due to the connection offirst flange 118 with first groove 122 and of second flange 120 withsecond groove 124. Magnets 126 disposed in connector 102 can be sensedby a proximity sensor, such as switches 62 a and 62 b (best seen in FIG.3), to indicate a location of gate 44 relative to any particulateopening.

Shut-off mechanism 38 provides significant advantages. Screw 42 candrive gate 44 both forward and backwards by simply rotating, and screw42 also allows gate 44 to be positioned at any intermediate positionbetween fully opened and fully closed. As such, screw 42 allows forvariable rate supply of the particulate material. First portion 104 andsecond portion 106 can be identical, which allows connector 102 to bereversible, provides mistake-proofing, and reduces costs associate withshut-off mechanism 38. Moreover, gate 44 is attached to attachmentassembly 46 by first flange 118 and second flange 120, which providesfor a simple attachment process requiring minimal parts and labor.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of first outer plate 80. First outerplate 80 includes outer particulate receiving openings 88, fasteneropenings 138, bushing openings 140, installation openings 142, plateflange 144, and mounting tab 146. Outer particulate receiving openings88 include partitions 148. Outer plate receiving openings 88 extendthrough first outer plate 80 and provide a passageway for particulatematerial to pass through first outer plate 80. Partitions 148 aredisposed between individual outer particulate receiving openings 88.Mounting tab 146 extends aft from first outer plate 80. Mounting tab 146can provide a sealing surface for a gasket of housing 54 (shown in FIGS.2A and 3) to seal against. Bushing openings 140 extend through firstouter plate 80 and are configured to receive bushings 60 (best seen inFIG. 2B). Fastener openings 138 similarly extend through first outerplate 80 and are configured to receive plate fasteners 66 (best seen inFIG. 2B). Plate flange 144 is disposed at a forward end of first outerplate 80 and is configured to retain gasket 58 a (shown in FIGS. 2A-3)on first outer plate 80. Pressurization openings 142 extend throughfirst outer plate 80. Pressurization openings 142 provide a passagewayfor pressurized air, such as air from pneumatic system 16 (shown inFIG. 1) to flow through first outer plate 80. During operation, air frompneumatic system 16 enters meter mechanism 22 (shown in FIG. 1A),travels through a supply tube and is provided near a top of supply tank20 (shown in FIG. 1A) to pressurize the particulate material in supplytank 20. The pressurization in supply tank 20 ensures that theparticulate material is able to flow out of supply tank 20 and intometer mechanism 22. The pressurized air provided to pressurizationopenings 142 can also provide pressurized air to housing 54 throughfilter assembly 55 to pressurize housing 54 during operation.

Outer particulate receiving openings 88 define a portion of particulateopenings 36 (best seen in FIG. 1B) through which the particulatematerial can flow from meter mechanism 22 and into primary manifold 24.Each first outer opening 88 can be associated with individualdistribution lines 32 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), such that anyparticulate material intended for an individual distribution line 32must pass through the first outer opening 88 associated with thatdistribution line 32 prior to entering that distribution line 32.Partitions 148 a can provide a barrier between adjacent outerparticulate receiving openings 88 to prevent particulate material frommigrating into an adjacent first outer opening 88.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of first intermediate plate 82. Firstintermediate plate 82 includes inner particulate receiving openings 90,fastener openings 138, bushing openings 140, pressurization openings142, and support tab 150. Inner particulate receiving openings 90include partitions 152. Inner particulate receiving openings 90 extendthrough first intermediate plate 82 and provide a passageway forparticulate material to pass through first intermediate plate 82.Partitions 152 b are disposed between individual inner particulatereceiving openings 90 to further define inner particulate receivingopenings 90. Support tab 150 extends aft from first intermediate plate82. Support tab 150 can provide support to mounting tab 146 of firstouter plate 80. Bushing openings 140 extend through first intermediateplate 82 and are configured to receive bushings 60 (best seen in FIG.2B). Fastener openings 138 similarly extend through first intermediateplate 82 and are configured to receive plate fasteners 66 (best seen inFIG. 2B). Pressurization openings 142 extend through first intermediateplate 82. Pressurization openings 142 provide a passageway forpressurized air, such as air from pneumatic system 16 (shown in FIG. 1A)to flow through first intermediate plate 82. During operation, air frompneumatic system 16 enters meter mechanism 22 (shown in FIG. 1A),travels through a supply tube and is provided near a top of supply tank20 (shown in FIG. 1A) to pressurize the particulate material in supplytank 20. The pressure in supply tank 20 ensures that the particulatematerial is able to flow out of supply tank 20 and into meter mechanism22.

Inner particulate receiving openings 90 define a portion of particulateopenings 36 (best seen in FIG. 1B) through which the particulatematerial can flow from meter mechanism 22 and into primary manifold 24.Each first intermediate opening 90 can be associated with individualdistribution lines 32 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), such that anyparticulate material intended for an individual distribution line 32must pass through the first intermediate opening 90 associated with thatdistribution line 32 prior to entering that distribution line 32.Partitions 152 a can provide a barrier between adjacent innerparticulate receiving openings 90 to prevent particulate material frommigrating into an adjacent first outer opening 88.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of chassis 78. Chassis 78 includesmounting flange 96, gate apertures 98, fastener openings 138, bushingopenings 140, pressurization openings 142, tabs 154, spacer slots 156,and flanges 158. Mounting flange 96 includes actuator apertures 160,controller mounting apertures 161, actuator mounting apertures 163, andslots 165. Tabs 154 include switch apertures 162. Gate apertures 98extend through chassis 78 and are configured to receive gates 44 (shownin FIGS. 1B-4). Mounting flange 96 is disposed at an aft end of chassis78 adjacent gate aperture 98 and extends radially from chassis 78.Actuator apertures 160 extend through mounting flange 96 and are eachconfigured to receive an actuator arm, such as screw 42 (best seen inFIG. 3) or piston 42′ (shown in FIG. 14), of shut-off mechanism 38(shown in FIGS. 1A-4). Slots 165 extend into mounting flange 96 andintersect with actuator apertures 160. Slots 165 are configured toprovide pathways for screws 42 to slide into and out of actuatorapertures 160. As such, slots 165 allow actuators 40 to be installed onmounting plate 178 radially, by sliding an actuator arm, such as screw42 and/or piston 42′ into actuator aperture 160 through slot 165, oraxially, by sliding the actuator arm through actuator aperture 160.Controller mounting aperture 161 extend through mounting flange 96 andare configured to receive fasteners to secure a controller, such ascontrollers 34 a and 34 b (shown in FIG. 1B), to mounting flange 96.Actuator mounting apertures 163 extend through mounting flange 96 andare configured to receive actuator fasteners 68 (best seen in FIG. 2B)to secure a portion of actuator 40, such as motor 41 (shown in FIGS.1B-4), to mounting flange 96.

Tabs 154 are disposed at the aft end of chassis 78 and extend axiallyinto gate apertures 98. Switch apertures 162 extend through tabs 154 andare configured to provide an opening though which switches 62 a and 62 b(best seen in FIG. 3) can extend. Each tab 154 can extend into the gapdisposed between first axial leg 110 (shown in FIG. 4) and second axialleg 112 (shown in FIG. 4) of a gate 44 (best seen in FIG. 4). Spacerslots 156 extend into a body of chassis 78 from gate apertures 98, andspacer slots 156 are configured to receive a portion of spacers 64(shown in FIGS. 2B and 10) to retain spacers 64 on chassis 78. Flanges158 extend from the forward and side edges of chassis 78 and providestiffness to chassis 78. Flanges 158 also provide a clearance fit toother plates mounted on chassis 78. Bushing openings 140 extend throughchassis 78 and are configured to receive bushings 60 (best seen in FIG.2B). Fastener openings 138 extend through chassis 78 and are configuredto receive plate fasteners 66 (best seen in FIG. 2B). Pressurizationopenings 142 extend through chassis 78. Pressurization openings 142provide a passageway for pressurized air, such as air from pneumaticsystem 16 (shown in FIG. 1A) to flow through chassis 78 to pressurizethe particulate material in supply tank 20 (shown in FIG. 1A). Thepressure in supply tank 20 ensures that the particulate material is ableto flow out of supply tank 20 and into meter mechanism 22.

Gate apertures 98 define a portion of a particulate opening, such asparticulate opening 36 (best seen in FIG. 1B), through which theparticulate material can flow from meter mechanism 22 and intodistribution lines 32 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). Gate apertures 98 areconfigured to receive gates 44, and gates 44 can slide within gateapertures 98 between both the open position and the closed position. Aforward portion of gate apertures 98 can provide a hard stop for gates44 transitioning to the closed position such that gate 44 resistsfurther forward movement due to the hard stop, thereby providingfeedback, through the resistance, that gate 44 is in the closedposition. Tabs 154 can provide a hard stop for gates 44 transitioning tothe open position such that tab 154 stops rearward movement gate 44. Tab154 stopping gate 44 can provide feedback, through the resistance andassociated increase in current at motor 40, that gate 44 is in the openposition. The increase in current can be sensed by controller 34 orother component, and motor 41 can be deactivated in response to theincrease in current. Tabs 154 can also axially align gates 44 withingate apertures 98 due to tabs 154 being disposed between first axial leg110 and second axial leg 112, thereby resisting any rotation of gate 44out of axial alignment. Moreover, tabs 154 also provide protection towires extending from switches 62 a and 62 b.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of second intermediate plate 86. Secondintermediate plate 86 includes inner particulate supply openings 92,fastener openings 138, bushing openings 140, pressurization openings142, switch apertures 164, and spacer mounting slots 166. Innerparticulate supply openings 92 extend through second intermediate plate86. Inner particulate supply openings 92 define a portion of particulateopenings 36 (best seen in FIG. 1B) through which the particulatematerial can flow through sectional control assembly 12 (shown in FIGS.1A-4). It is understood that similar to first intermediate plate 82,second intermediate plate 86 can include partitions to further defineinner particulate supply openings 92. Switch apertures 164 extendthrough second intermediate plate 86 and are configured to provideopenings for switches 62 a and 62 b (best seen in FIG. 3) to extendthrough. Spacer mounting slots 166 extend into second intermediate plate86 and are configured to receive a portion of spacers 64 (shown in FIGS.2B and 10) to retain spacers 64 in a desired position. Bushing openings140 extend through first intermediate plate 82 and are configured toreceive bushings 60. Fastener openings 138 similarly extend throughfirst intermediate plate 82 and are configured to receive platefasteners 66 (best seen in FIG. 2B). Second outer plate 84 can includefastener receivers, such as nuts, integral with fastener openings 138through second outer plate 84 or with a bottom side of second outerplate 84. In this way, plate fasteners 66 can extend through plateassembly 56 (best seen in FIG. 3) and connect to second outer plate 84to secure plate assembly 56 together. Installation openings 142 extendthrough first intermediate plate 82. Pressurization openings 142 extendthrough second intermediate plate 86. Pressurization openings 142provide a passageway for pressurized air, such as air from pneumaticsystem 16 (shown in FIG. 1A) to flow through chassis 78 to pressurizethe particulate material in supply tank 20 (shown in FIG. 1A). Thepressure in supply tank 20 ensures that the particulate material is ableto flow out of supply tank 20 and into meter mechanism 22. Secondintermediate plate 86 supports gates 44 on a top surface of secondintermediate plate 86.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of second outer plate 84. Second outerplate 84 includes switches 62, outer particulate supply openings 94,fastener openings 138, bushing openings 140, installation openings 142,support extension 168, and stiffening flange 169. Outer particulatesupply openings 94 define a portion of particulate openings 36 (bestseen in FIG. 1B) through which the particulate material can flow throughsectional control assembly 12 (shown in FIGS. 1A-4). It is understoodthat similar to first outer plate 80 (best seen in FIG. 5), second outerplate 84 can include partitions to further define outer particulatesupply openings 94. Support extension 168 extends axially aft on secondouter plate 84. Switches 62 are mounted on support extension 168.Stiffening flange 169 extends from an edge of second outer plate 84opposite support extension 168, and stiffening flange 169 providesadditional stiffness to second outer plate 84. Bushing openings 140extend through second outer plate 84 and are configured to receivebushings 60. Bushings 60 can be connected to an outer surface of secondouter plate 84 in any suitable manner, such as by welding. Fasteneropenings 138 similarly extend through first outer plate 80 and areconfigured to receive plate fasteners 66 (best seen in FIG. 2B).Fastener openings 138 can include a mount, such as a nut pressed into abottom surface of second outer plate 84, to receive plate fasteners 66and secure plate fasteners 66 to second outer plate 84.

Support extension 168 is configured to support a component housing, suchas housing 54 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2B), as well as the various componentswithin the housing. Support extension 168 can provide a sealing surfaceagainst which housing 54 can seal to prevent contaminants from enteringan internal portion of housing 54. Outer particulate supply openings 94define a portion of particulate openings 36 through which theparticulate material can flow from meter mechanism 22 and intodistribution lines 32.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of spacer 64. Spacer 64 includes spacerbody 170, spacer tab 172 a, spacer tab 172 b, and spacer tab 174. Spacertab 172 a is disposed as a first end of spacer 64 and spacer tab 172 bis disposed at a second end of spacer 64 opposite the first end ofspacer 64. Spacer tab 174 extends from spacer body 170 between spacertab 172 a and spacer tab 172 b. Spacer 64 is configured to snap fit tochassis 78 (best seen in FIG. 6) with spacer tab 172 a, spacer tab 172b, and spacer tab 174 extending below chassis 78 through spacer slots156 (best seen in FIG. 6) in chassis 78. Spacer tab 172 a, spacer tab172 b, and spacer tab 174 can then extend into spacer slots 156 (bestseen in FIG. 7) in second intermediate plate 86 (best seen in FIG. 7).Spacer 64 is configured to be disposed between first intermediate plate82 (best seen in FIG. 4) and second intermediate plate 86. Spacer body170 contacts both first intermediate plate 82 and second intermediateplate 86 and prevents first intermediate plate 82 and secondintermediate plate 86 from exerting a clamping force on gates 44 (bestseen in FIG. 9) when first intermediate plate 82 and second intermediateplate 86 are secured together. Spacer body 170 is further disposedbetween adjacent gates 44 and provides axial alignment for gates 44 toprevent gates 44 from shifting during operation. Spacers 64 thus provideboth compression protection and axial alignment to gates 44.

FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of quick-mount assembly 176. FIG.11B is a rear perspective view of quick-mount assembly 176. FIGS. 11Aand 11B will be discussed together. Quick-mount assembly 176 includesmounting plate 178, actuators 40, and controller 34. Mounting plate 178includes mounting flange 96′ and base flange 180. Mounting flange 96′includes actuator apertures 160, controller mounting apertures 161,actuator mounting apertures 163, and slots 165. Base flange 180 includesinstallation apertures 182. Actuators 40 include motors 41 and screws42.

Actuators 40 are disposed on mounting plate 178, with motors 41 attachedto mounting flange 96′ and disposed on base flange 180. Screws 42 extendthrough actuator apertures 160. While actuators 40 are described asincluding screws 42, it is understood that actuator 40 can include anysuitable actuating mechanism, including a linear actuator where screws42 are linearly displaced. Slots 165 extend into mounting flange 96′ andintersect with actuator apertures 160. Slots 165 are configured toprovide pathways for screws 42 to slide into and out of actuatorapertures 160. As such, slots 165 allow actuators 40 to be installed onmounting plate 178 radially, by sliding an actuator arm, such as screw42 (best seen in FIG. 4) and/or piston 42′ (shown in FIG. 13) intoactuator aperture 160 through slot 165, or axially, by sliding theactuator arm through actuator aperture 160. Actuator fasteners 68 extendthrough actuator mounting apertures 163 and engage a portion of actuator40, such as motor 41, to mounting flange 96′. Controller fasteners (notshown) extend through controller mounting apertures 161 and engagecontroller 34 to secure controller 34 to mounting plate 178. In someexamples, controller 34 can extend from a forward side of mountingflange 96′ over screws 42. As such, limit switches, such as switches 62,can be mounted on a lower side of controller 34 to sense a position ofgate 44. With actuators 40 and controller 34 secured to mounting plate178, quick-mount assembly 176 can be installed in a sectional controldevice, such as sectional control device 12, as a single assembly.Fasteners can extend through installation apertures 182 in base flange180 to secure quick-mount assembly 176 to a chassis, such as chassis 78(shown in FIG. 12).

Quick-mount assembly 176 provides significant advantages. Quick-mountassembly 176 provides multiple actuators 40 and an associated controller34 banked together in a single installation unit. As such, the user caninstall the quick-mount assembly 176 by inserting the quick-mountassembly 176 into a sectional control device, such as sectional controldevice 12; securing base flange 180 to a plate within the sectionalcontrol device, such as chassis 78′, with fasteners extending throughinstallation openings; connecting controller 34 to a control system,such as a control system on the tractor, to allow controller 34 toreceive commands and information from and supply information to theuser; and attaching actuators 40 to gates, such as attaching gates 44 toscrews 42 with attachment assemblies 46. Quick-mount assembly 176reduces installation and maintenance time, and allows a full bank ofactuators 40 and a controller 34 to be installed and/or uninstalledsimultaneously.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of chassis 78′ and mounting plate 178 ofquick-mount assembly 176 (shown in FIGS. 11A-11B). Chassis 78′ includesgate apertures 98, fastener openings 138, bushing openings 140,pressurization openings 142, spacer slots 156, flanges 158, and supportbars 184. Support bar 184 includes installation apertures 186. Mountingplate 178 includes mounting flange 96′ and base flange 180. Base flange180 includes installation apertures 182.

Gate apertures 98, fastener openings 138, bushing openings 140,pressurization openings 142, and spacer slots 165 extend through chassis78′. Support bar 184 extends rearward from gate apertures 98, withinstallation apertures 186 extending though support bar 184. Mountingplate 178 can be secured to chassis 78′ to mount quick-mount assembly176 on chassis 78′. Fasteners extend through installation openings 182on base flange 180 and installation openings 186 on support bar 184 tosecure mounting plate 178, and thus quick-mount assembly 176, to chassis78′. With mounting plate 178 installed on chassis 78′, base flange 180extends rearward from mounting flange 96′. Base flange 180 extendingrearward further facilitates easy installation of mounting plate 178 onchassis 78′ by positioning base flange 180 such that base flange 180does not interfere with various components of sectional control assembly12 (best seen in FIG. 2A) when quick-mount assembly 176 is installed orremoved.

Spacer slots 156 extend into a body of chassis 78′ from gate apertures98, and spacer slots 156 are configured to receive a portion of spacers64 (shown in FIGS. 2B and 10) to retain spacers 64 on chassis 78′.Flanges 158 extend from the forward and side edges of chassis 78′ andprovide stiffness to chassis 78′. Flanges 158 also provide a clearancefit to other plates mounted on chassis 78′. Bushing openings 140 extendthrough chassis 78′ and are configured to receive bushings 60 (best seenin FIG. 2B). Fastener openings 138 extend through chassis 78′ and areconfigured to receive plate fasteners 66 (best seen in FIG. 2B).Pressurization openings 142 extend through chassis 78′. Pressurizationopenings 142 provide a passageway for pressurized air, such as air frompneumatic system 16 (shown in FIG. 1A) to flow through chassis 78′ topressurize the particulate material in supply tank 20 (shown in FIG.1A).

Gate apertures 98 define a portion of a particulate opening, such asparticulate opening 36 (best seen in FIG. 1B), through which theparticulate material can flow from meter mechanism 22 and intodistribution lines 32 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). Gate apertures 98 areconfigured to receive gates, such as gates 44 (best seen in FIG. 4) andgates 44′ (best seen in FIG. 13), and the gates can slide within gateapertures 98 between both the open position and the closed position. Aforward portion of gate apertures 98 can provide a hard stop for thegates transitioning to the closed position such that further forwardmovement of the gate is resisted by the hard stop, thereby providingfeedback, through the resistance, that the gate is in the closedposition. Mounting flange 96′ can provide a hard stop for gatestransitioning to the open position, such that mounting flange 96′resists any further rearward movement of gate 44 and can providefeedback, through the resistance, that gate 44 is in the open position.In one example, a portion of the gate can encounter actuator fasteners68 (best seen in FIG. 11A) extending through mounting flange 96′, andactuator fasteners 68 can provide the hard stop to resist furtherrearward movement of the gate.

Chassis 78′ and mounting plate 178 provide significant advantages.Mounting plate 178 can be attached to and detached from chassis 78′ withfasteners extending through installation openings 182 and installationopenings 186, thereby facilitating quick and easy installation andremoval of quick-mount assembly 176. In addition, mounting plate 178banks multiple actuators 40 together for installation as a single unit,such that all actuators 40 associated with a gate aperture 98 can beinstalled on chassis 78′ as a single unit. Moreover, support bar 184allows for easy installation and removal of gates when chassis 78′ issecured within sectional control device 12. Support bar 184 isrelatively flat, such that support bar 184 does not include a physicalbarrier for a user to insert or remove the gates from gate apertures 98.The user can install a gate by positioning a leading edge of the gatewithin gate aperture 98 and sliding the gate forward into gate aperture98. Similarly, the user can remove a gate by pulling the gate rearwardover support bar 184. As such, support bar 184 allows gates to beinserted and removed axially even where chassis 78′ has been installedin sectional control device 12.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of gate 44′. Gate 44′ includes axialportion 70′ and radial portion 72′. Axial portion 70′ includes flowblocker 108 and axial leg 188. Radial portion 72′ includes first radialarm 114′ and second radial arm 116′. Axial portion 70′ of gate 44′extends from radial portion 72′. Flow blocker 108 is configured to blocka flow of particulate materials through particulate opening 38 (bestseen in FIG. 1B) when gate 44′ is in the closed position. Axial leg 188extends from flow blocker 108 and is attached to radial portion 72′.First radial arm 114′ and second radial arm 116′ are configured toconnect gate 44′ to an actuator, such as actuator 40 (best seen in FIG.4). For example, radial portion 72′ can connect gate 44′ to the actuatorthrough an attachment assembly, such as attachment assembly 46 (bestseen in FIG. 4). In one example, first radial arm 114′ extends into andengages first groove 122 (best seen in FIG. 4) of connector 102 (bestseen in FIG. 4), and second radial arm 116′ extends into and engagessecond groove 124 (best seen in FIG. 4) of connector 102.

FIG. 14 is a top schematic view of sectional control assembly 12.Sectional control assembly 12 includes controllers 34 a and 34 b,particulate openings 36 a-36 h, and shut-off mechanisms 38 a′-38 h′.Shut-off mechanisms 38 a′-38 h′ respectively include actuators 40 a′-40h′ and gates 44 a-44 h. Actuators 40 a′-40 h′ include cylinders 41′ andpistons 42′, respectively.

Sectional control assembly 12 is mounted between meter mechanism 22(shown in FIG. 1A) and primary manifold 24 (shown in FIG. 1A), and isconfigured to control the flow of particulate material to primarymanifold 24 from meter mechanism 22. Particulate openings 36 a-36 hprovide a pathway for the particulate material to flow through sectionalcontrol assembly 12. Gates 44 a-44 h are slidable between an openposition, where the particulate material can flow through particulateopenings 36 a-36 h, and a closed position, where gates 44 a-44 h blockparticulate openings 36 a-36 h, respectively, to prevent the particulatematerial from flowing through sectional control assembly 12. Gates 44a-44 h can be positioned at any desired intermediate position betweenthe open position and the closed position.

Gates 44 c-44 d and 44 f-44 h are depicted in an open position such thatparticulate openings 36 c-36 d and 36 f-36 h are unobstructed andparticulate material is able to flow to distribution lines 32 c-32 d and32 f-32 h. Gates 44 a-44 b and 44 e are depicted in a closed positionsuch that gates 44 a-44 b and 44 e obstruct particulate openings 36 a-36b and 36 e and particulate material is prevented from flowing todistribution lines 32 a-32 b and 32 e. It is understood, however, thateach gate 44 can be positioned in an intermediate position between theopen position and the closed position such that gates 44 partiallyobstruct particulate openings 36 and allow a limited flow of theparticulate material to distribution lines 32.

Controllers 34 a and 34 b of sectional control assembly 12 cancommunicate with an operator and/or a control system via communicationlinks 50 a and 50 b (shown in FIG. 1A), which can include a wired orwireless connection. Controller 34 a is connected to and controlsshut-off mechanisms 38 a′-38 d′. Controllers 34 a and 34 b communicatewith shut-off mechanisms 38 a′-38 h′ via control links 52 a-52 h tocontrol a position of gates 44 a-44 h relative to particulate openings36 a-36 h. Controller 34 a is connected to and controls shut-offmechanisms 38 a-38 d via control links 52 a-52 d. Controller 34 b isconnected to and controls shut-off mechanisms 38 e-38 h via controllinks 52 e-52 h. The particulate material flows through particulateopenings 36 a-36 h to reach distribution lines 32 a-32 h from supplytanks 20 (FIG. 1).

Actuators 40 a′-40 h′ are mounted within sectional control assembly 12and are configured to drive gates 44 a-44 h between an open position anda closed position. Actuators 40 a-40 h can Cylinders 41′a-41′h aremounted within sectional control assembly 12, and pistons 42′a-42′hextend from cylinders 41′a-41′h, respectively. Pistons 42′a-42′h can beattached to gates 44 a-44 h by attachment assemblies, such as attachmentassemblies 46 (best seen in FIG. 4), but it is understood that pistons42′a-42′h can be attached to gates 44 a-44 h in any desired manner.Cylinders 41′a-41′h are configured to linearly drive pistons 42′a-42′hto drive gates 44 a-44 h between the open position and the closedposition. Similar to actuators 40, actuators 40′ can be at leastpartially disposed within a housing, such as housing 54. Similar toscrews 42, pistons 42′ can extend through mounting flange 96 (best seenin FIG. 7) between cylinder 41′ and gate 44. For example, piston 42′ canextend through actuator aperture 160 (shown in FIG. 7) in mountingflange 96 or mounting flange 96′.

To open or close particulate openings 36 a-36 h, one of controllers 34 aand 34 b can provide command signals, such as via communication links 52a-52 h, to cause actuators 40 a′-40 h′ to shift gates 44 a-44 h betweenthe various positions. For example, controller 34 a can command actuator40 a′ to position gate 44 a in a desired position, such as the openposition, the closed position, or an intermediate position. In oneexample, cylinder 41′a can then drive gate 44 a between the openposition and the closed position by the linear displacement of piston42′a. In some examples, cylinders 41′a-41′h drive pistons 42′a-42′hhydraulically, pneumatically, and/or electromechanically. For example,actuator 40′ can be a hydraulic actuator, such that cylinder 41′ isfilled with a hydraulic fluid, such as a non-compressible oil, tolinearly drive piston 42′. In another example, actuator 40′ can be apneumatic actuator, such that cylinder 41′ is filled with compressedair, and the compressed air linearly drives piston 42′. In a furtherexample, actuator 40′ is an electromechanical actuator, where cylinder41′ can include both a cylinder and an electric motor connected to andproviding power to the cylinder, and the cylinder can house gears and ascrew configured to linearly displace piston 42′. In some examples, themotor can provide motive power to the gears, the gears can in-turnprovide motive power to the screw, and the screw is connected to anddrives piston 42′ in a linear manner.

Sectional control assembly 12 provides significant advantages. Sectionalcontrol assembly 12 provides on/off control for the flow of particulatematerial to the air seeding device, thereby preventing over-applicationin areas of a field that the air seeding device has already traversed.Preventing over-application also saves material costs by eliminatingwaste of particulate material. Actuators 40′ can be hydraulic,pneumatic, or electromechanical, and piston 42′ displaces linearly todrive the linear displacement of gates 44. Sectional control assembly 12provides low cost, easily installed sectional control capabilities toair carts that were not previously equipped with sectional controlcapabilities.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

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 21. A sectional control mechanism for an air seeder forreceiving particulate from a meter roller and providing the particulateto a primary manifold through which air flows to entrain theparticulate, the sectional control mechanism comprising: a plateassembly including a plurality of plates stacked together; a pluralityof particulate openings extending through the plate assembly; aplurality of shut-off mechanisms associated with the plurality ofparticulate openings to control a flow of material through the pluralityof particulate openings, wherein each shut-off mechanism includes: agate disposed between upper and lower plates of the plurality of platesand movable between an open state, where material can flow through theassociated particulate opening, and a closed state, where the gateprevents material from flowing through the associated particulateopening; and a motor connected to the gate to drive the gate between theopen state and the closed state; a controller operatively connected tomultiple ones of the plurality of shut-off mechanisms to independentlycontrol each of the multiple ones of the plurality of shut-offmechanisms, the controller configured to cause the motor to drive thegate between the open state and the closed state for each of themultiple ones of the plurality of shut-off mechanisms.
 22. The sectionalcontrol mechanism of claim 1, wherein the plate assembly comprises: achassis including a top side, a bottom side, and at least one gateaperture extending through the chassis between the top side and thebottom side; the upper plate disposed on the top side of the chassis,wherein the upper plate includes at least one receiving openingextending through the upper plate and in flow communication with the atleast one gate aperture; and the lower plate disposed on a bottom sideof the chassis, wherein the lower plate includes at least one supplyopening extending through the lower plate and in flow communication withthe at least one gate aperture; wherein each particulate opening of theplurality of particulate openings is formed by the at least onereceiving opening, the at least one gate aperture, and the at least onesupply opening; and wherein each gate is at least partially disposed inthe at least one gate aperture.
 23. The sectional control mechanism ofclaim 2, wherein the upper plate includes: a first outer plate includingat least one outer receiving opening extending therethrough; a firstintermediate plate disposed on the top of the chassis between thechassis and the first outer plate and including at least one innerreceiving opening extending therethrough; wherein the at least one outerreceiving opening is aligned with the at least one inner receivingopening to form the at least one receiving opening.
 24. The sectionalcontrol mechanism of claim 3, wherein the lower plate includes: a secondouter plate including at least one outer supply opening extendingtherethrough; a second intermediate plate disposed on the bottom of thechassis between the chassis and the second outer plate and including atleast one inner supply opening extending therethrough; wherein the firstsupply opening is aligned with the second supply opening to form the atleast one assembly supply opening.
 25. The sectional control mechanismof claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control each gatebased on a location of a distribution point associated with the gate ina field.
 26. The sectional control mechanism of claim 5, wherein thecontroller is configured to control each gate based on an input receivedfrom a geo-positioning system.
 27. The sectional control mechanism ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensorof the plurality of sensors is associated with a gate of the pluralityof gates to provide data regarding a position of the gate.
 28. Thesectional control mechanism of claim 7, wherein the controller isconfigured to stop movement of the gate based on the data provided thesensor.
 29. The sectional control mechanism of claim 7, wherein a firstone of the plurality of sensors is associated with a first gate of theplurality of gates and is configured to sense the first gate reachingthe closed state and a second one of the plurality of sensors isassociated with the first gate and is configured to sense the first gatereaching the open state.
 30. The sectional control mechanism of claim 1,wherein the controller is configured to: control operation of a firstshut-off mechanism of the multiple ones of the plurality of shut-offmechanisms; and control operation of a second shut-off mechanism of themultiples ones of the plurality of shut-off mechanisms independent fromthe first shut-off mechanism.
 31. The sectional control mechanism ofclaim 10, wherein the controller is configured to: provide a firstcommand to a first motor of the first shut-off mechanism to cause thefirst motor to actuate a first gate to the open state; and provide asecond command to a second motor of the second shut-off mechanism tocause the second motor to actuate a second gate to the closed state suchthat a first particulate opening associated with the first shut-offmechanism is open and a second particulate opening associated with thesecond shut-off mechanism is closed.
 32. The sectional control mechanismof claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a shaft connected to the gateto drive the gate.
 33. The sectional control mechanism of claim 11,wherein the shaft is a screw configured to rotate about a screw axis todrive the gate along the screw axis.
 34. The sectional control mechanismof claim 11, wherein the shaft is a piston configured to extend andretract along a piston axis to drive the gate along the piston axis. 35.An air seeding system comprising: a meter assembly including the meterroller, the meter assembly configured to receive particulate materialfrom a particulate supply tank; the primary manifold including aplurality of distribution lines connected to an air source, theplurality of distribution lines fluidly connected to a plurality ofdistribution points to provide the particulate material to the pluralityof distribution points; and the sectional control assembly of claim 1disposed between the meter assembly and the primary manifold; whereinthe plurality of shut-off mechanisms are configured to control a flow ofparticulate material from the meter assembly to the primary manifold.36. A method of retrofitting an air cart of an air seeding system, themethod comprising: removing a primary manifold from a meter housing thathouses a meter roller configured to meter a flow of particulate to theprimary manifold; inserting a sectional control device between theprimary manifold and the meter housing, the sectional control deviceincluding a controller and a plurality of shut-off mechanism associatedwith a plurality of gate apertures, the controller configured toindividually control each of the plurality of shut-off mechanisms toindividually control particulate flow through each of the plurality ofgate apertures; and reattaching the primary manifold to the meterhousing with the sectional control device at least partially disposedbetween and captures between the primary manifold and the meter housing.37. The method of claim 16, further comprising: connecting thecontroller to a control system of a tractor.
 38. The method of claim 16,wherein reattaching the primary manifold to the meter housing includesinserting fasteners through the primary manifold and into the meterhousing.
 39. The method of claim 18, further comprising: passing thefasteners through a plate assembly of the sectional control device. 40.The method of claim 16, further comprising: controlling, by thecontroller, each of the plurality of shut-off mechanisms between an openstate and a closed state based on a location of the air cart in a field.